PROFUT: an analysis of the capital structure of Brazilian soccer teams

Purpose: The research intends to verify the relationship between meeting the requirements for joining and staying at PROFUT and the economic and financial situation of Brazilian football clubs listed in the Ranking Nacional de Clubes (RNC). Methodology: The study was operationalized by the deductive method, taking an empirical approach, using the analysis of individuals, facts and consequences researched. As for the procedures adopted, the research is classified as a bibliographic and documentary review and a quantitative approach. The matter was addressed through the application of an investigation of the points of the legislation, through a checklist, and the presentation of economic and financial indicators: indebtedness, current liquidity, tangibility, size and return of net worth. Results: Given the investigation carried out, it was noticed that, even with the current requirements of the legislation and criteria of enforceability for participation in PROFUT, adherence to the program does not guarantee a better economic and financial situation, mainly related to the factors inherent to the capital structure. Contributions of the Study: The paper contributes in a theoretical way in the production of a contextualized analysis of the main existing researches and shows new explanations of the studied fact based on different perspectives. With regard to the practical contribution, based on the main findings found, and seeking to relate the level of commitment of the analyzed clubs, which adhered to PROFUT, with the management of their capital structure, it was noticed the absence of a direct relationship between adherence to this type of financing and the management of the sources of capital obtained.